While Conor Murray was busy with the Lions during the summer, Joe Schmidt and a mostly inexperienced group of Irish players travelled to the US and then Japan for the summer tour.
James Ryan was one of those to make his debut in an Ireland jersey. Long before his Ireland bow, Murray had heard of the Leinster second row.
My mate used to coach James Ryan in school - in Michaels - three or four years ago. He rang me and said, 'Watch out for this guy. This guy's gym scores are through the roof. He's a captain, an unbelievable player.'
I wasn't surprised to see his progression levels - played for Ireland before he played for Leinster.
Ryan was among those named in the November internationals squad during the week. The 21-year-old won two Ireland caps before he made his Leinster debut against the Dragons last month.
Jacob Stockdale - another 21-year-old named in the November squad - is an up and coming Irish player Murray also likes the look of, one he believes is doing very well with Ulster.
"He looks like a really strong, quick winger. He's making an impression."
Connacht centre Bundee Aki was among the new personnel in Schmidt's squad. The New Zealand-born 27-year-old just recently became eligible to play for Ireland under the three-year residency rule.
Murray calls Aki "an awesome player".
He's a tough player to play against; an aggressive player, plays on the edge and really talented. Joe probably sees that as well. He knows him probably a bit better than we do. It won't be a surprise if he's named in the squad and he does quite well.
We had only a short camp in August, catching up with lads and getting through a few bits and pieces. We didn't have a lot of time with him but he seems like a nice guy.
Ireland and Munster scrum-half Conor Murray launched “Who We Are is How We Play”, the next phase of Vodafone Ireland’s “Team Of Us” sponsorship of the Irish rugby team.
This season Vodafone will give fans a rare glimpse into the childhoods of Conor Murray, Rory Best, Tiernan O’Halloran and Tadhg Furlong in their new campaign which will be live from November 1st.
Picture credit: Sportsfile
